After having received wonderful treatment from the Orcas EMT group, I discovered another thoroughly remarkable thing about their service.
I had sepsis — which is blood poisoning and quite lethal if not treated and treated soon after it is diagnosed. The EMTs identified it and they have a special protocol for it instilled in their procedure by Dr. Sullivan. Orcas Island Fire Rescue is one of the few EMS systems in the country that use serum lactate as an indicator for sepsis.
Dr. Sullivan trained the group long and well on the subject and they have saved numerous lives from early detection of sepsis and SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). Current thinking by researchers on sepsis includes the need for early treatment before septic shock closes down organs.I received over two liters of IV fluid before the airlift ever arrived.
This was fortunate especially because the Bellingham ER was overwhelmed on that afternoon. Unfortunately there is no sure way to avoid sepsis. It can be caused by a nick during a manicure or a calcium deposit on a toenail. The signs are confusion and “generally feeling bad.”
Orcas EMTs are wonderfully efficient and medically on top of the needs of those they are called to help.
By Terrel Kaplan
Eastsound
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Amen, Amen, Amen. I, too, have benefited from the high skill level at which the Orcas EMTs operate. They need and deserve our full support in order to preserve this valuable, life-saving asset.